(110 ILCS 975/2) (from Ch. 144, par. 2752)
Sec. 2. Legislative finding and declaration of policy. (a) The General Assembly finds and hereby declares that the provision of a
higher education leading to an associate degree in nursing, an
associate
degree in applied sciences in nursing, a hospital-based diploma
in nursing, a
baccalaureate degree in nursing, a graduate degree in nursing, or a certificate in practical nursing for
persons of this State
who desire such an education is important to the health, welfare and
security of this State and Nation, and consequently is an important public
purpose. Many qualified and potential nurses
are deterred by financial considerations from pursuing their nursing
education, with consequent irreparable loss to the State and Nation of
talents vital to health, welfare and security. A system of scholarships,
repayment of which may be excused if the individual is employed as a
registered professional
nurse or a licensed practical nurse after
obtaining an associate degree in
nursing, associate degree in applied sciences in nursing, hospital-based
diploma in nursing, baccalaureate degree in nursing, graduate degree in nursing, or certificate
in practical nursing, will enable such individuals
to attend approved institutions of their choice in the State,
public or
private.
(b) The General Assembly finds that there is a critical shortage of nursing instructors in this State, and such a shortage will only worsen the shortage of available nurses in this State and jeopardize the quality of healthcare citizens of this State have every right to enjoy. In order to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of this State, the General Assembly declares that there is a need for an increase in skilled nurse educators in this State. (Source: P.A. 96-805, eff. 10-30-09.)
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